“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” John 12:24,25.

To us, the Disciples of Christ, this must be therefore the day of passionate commitment. I say ‘passionate commitment’ because there are commitments and commitments. We are familiar with certain type of commitment which will bask in Christian fellowship, chorus singing and self-entertainment and stop there. But ours is a faith of Martyrs. Its symbol is the cross, and its monuments the catacombs. Let us not make it a luxury religion, a cosy haven for an escapist. Christ needs soldiers of the cross, not as someone has said, chocolate soldiers. How often our commitment and discipleship are so costless.

King David in 1 Chronicles 21:24 said “I will not take…sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing”. Deliberate commitment is costly, we are called to count the cost. In John 12:24 – 26, Jesus said “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, my servant will be. My father will honor the one who serves me. ”So can our commitment be anything less? Has our prayer life, our giving, our surrender to Christ cost us anything? Do we pray and give to the Lord ‘until it hurts’? Are we willing to go in daring faith wherever he leads us? If we obey, then the Lord will open up opportunities for His glory.